Page 186 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

184 BACK ROADS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

Right The Romanesque Church of Santa Maria
Assunta, Monteriggioni Centre right Brightly
coloured ceramic wares for sale in Siena
Far right The multi-towered medieval town
of San Gimignano Below The Chiostro Grande
in the Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey

WHERE TO STAY
SAN GIMIGNANO
Hotel Relais Santa Chiara moderate
This modern and comfortable hotel is
within easy walking distance of the
town, with parking, pool and gardens.
Via Matteotti 15, 53037; 0577 940 701;
www.rsc.it 5 San Gimignano papermaking industry to flourish, but
Hotel Leon Bianco moderate Siena, Tuscany; 53037 it was glassmaking, particularly fine
Right in the centre of San Gimignano, From far away, San Gimignano’s crystal, that gave it wider fame. From
this good-value three-star hotel has medieval towers – 14 of the original Colle “bassa”, take the elevator up to
elegant rooms and a breakfast terrace. 72 remain – are a visible sign of the the castello, the oldest part of the
Piazza Cisterna, 53037; 0577 941 294;
www.leonbianco.com prosperity brought by the Via town, near the tower-house where
Francigena (see box). Don’t miss the 13th-century sculptor and architect
La Collegiata expensive Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta Arnolfo di Cambio was born. From
This stunning 17th-century converted
monastery offers stylish luxury less than (open daily; closed Feb), consecrated in here, it’s a pleasant walk to the west
2 km (1 mile) from the historic centre. 1148, with an interior decorated in the and the impressive twin bulwarks of
Localitá Strada 27, 53037; 0577 943 15th century by artists such as Benozzo the Porta Nova.
201; www.lacollegiata.it Gozzoli. Climb the 218 steps to view ª Exit the car park turning right
COLLE DI VAL D’ELSA the splendid panorama from the and continue until left turn at Via
Relais Della Rovere expensive tallest tower, Torre Grosso (open daily). XXV Aprile. Continue onto SP5, over
Pope Julius II built this villa just outside The San Gimignano1300 (Via the autostrada, then right on SR2
the town next to the monastery. Well- Berignano 23; open daily) is a museum towards Siena; turn left into
restored, it has elegant rooms. whose main exhibit is a scale model Monteriggioni and car park.
Via Piemonte 10, 53034; 0577 924 696; of the town in the year 1300.
www.relaisdellarovere.it
ª Follow signs to Colle di Val d’Elsa. 7 Monteriggioni
MONTERIGGIONI At the 2nd roundabout, turn left into Siena, Tuscany; 53035
La Canonica di San Michele moderate Via Armando Diaz/SS541. Follow signs A rare example of a garrison town with
This restored 13th-century villa has for “P-ascensore” in Via di Fontibona. an intact circle of walls, Monteriggioni
retained many original features and is Use the free parking and lift. safeguarded the Via Francigena and
set in an area of pristine natural beauty.
Strada di Fungaia 11, 53035; 0577 317 Siena’s gateway to the Val d’Elsa.
514; www.lacanonicadisanmichele.com 6 Colle di Val d’Elsa Fourteen towers guard a mere 570 m
Siena, Tuscany; 53034 (1,870 ft) of walls, crowning a gentle
SIENA AND AROUND This historic town is split into two rise in the valley. Enter Porta Franca o
La Grotta di Montecchino inexpensive sections, with Colle “alta” overlooking Romea into Piazza Roma and visit the
These self-catering farmhouse
apartments, 2 km (1 mile) west of Siena, the lively Colle “bassa”. The town’s simple, 13th-century Romanesque
offer simple, rustic comfort with a location on the River Elsa enabled a Church of Santa Maria Assunta, first
barbeque and pool – good for families. mentioned in the 7th century.
Strada Grossetana 87, Sant’Andrea a ª Follow signs for Autostrada
Montecchio, 53010; 0577 394 250; Firenze-Siena towards Siena. Take
www.montecchino.it
Siena Sud exit. Turn right on SP6, then
Palazzo Fani Mignanelli moderate second left at Via di Tuli. Drive through
Superbly located in the historic centre,
this swish residence offers spacious, Park dei Tuli and right into the Via
good-value junior suites. Fontanella car park. Follow signs for
Via Banchi di Sopra 15, 53100; 0577 Piazza il Campo on foot.
283 566; www.residenzadepoca.it
Certosa di Maggiano expensive 8 Siena
The epitome of luxury, this 14th-century Siena, Tuscany; 53100
converted Carthusian monastery, on Many branches of the Via Francigena
the southeast edge of town, has
everything – including a helipad. converged on Siena and perhaps no
Strada di Certosa 82, 53100; 0577 288 other city owes so much of its heritage
180; www.certosadimaggiano.com to the pilgrim way. It is said that in

182-187_Back_Roads_Northern_Italy.indd 184 21/09/17 11:19 am
Back Roads LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue Spread template “UK” LAYER
(OpenType)
Date 02 November 2009
Size 145mm x 217mm
Fonts Bulletfont, Clearbullet,
Frutiger Pro, Myriad Pro, Travelfont